masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSARASOTA, Fla. – Pitcher Mitch Atkins is dealing with a strained left oblique, and Rule 5 pick Adrian Rosario was sent home again today with a slight fever.

Luis Lebron threw another bullpen session today, and his pitches were much crisper. Manager Buck Showalter also noted that Lebron walked off the mound with a smile on his face.

Vladimir Guerrero isn’t likely to play the outfield in exhibition games.

“I don’t have any plans to do it right now,” Showalter said.

Guerrero has made it…SARASOTA, Fla. – Pitcher Mitch Atkins is dealing with a strained left oblique, and Rule 5 pick Adrian Rosario was sent home again today with a slight fever.

Luis Lebron threw another bullpen session today, and his pitches were much crisper. Manager Buck Showalter also noted that Lebron walked off the mound with a smile on his face.

Vladimir Guerrero isn’t likely to play the outfield in exhibition games.

“I don’t have any plans to do it right now,” Showalter said.

Guerrero has made it clear that he wants to participate in every drill. That includes bunting.

Showalter asked reporters where they’d bat Matt Wieters this season. When I suggested that Wieters could hit eighth behind Adam Jones, Showalter countered with the idea of putting Mark Reynolds seventh, with Jones sixth and Wieters eighth.

Just thinking out loud. Showalter’s not ready to set his lineup. But it’s apparent that Wieters won’t hit sixth to start the season. He’ll bat lower in the lineup.

Showalter indicated that another outfielder could occupy the last spot on the bench. The competition isn’t restricted to Robert Andino, Brendan Harris, Nick Green, Jake Fox and Josh Bell. It depends on what Showalter is looking for from that spot.

Andino, Fox and Felix Pie are out of options. Craig Tatum and Nolan Reimold have options remaining.

Showalter said he’s surprised that reliever David Riske is this far along. Riske apparently threw 10 bullpen sessions before reporting here, and he’s making a favorable impression.